* Dermot O’Leary is definitely back as the show’s host. “Of course,” said Simon. “It will be a happy ship this year”.

* The show will feature the “six chair challenge” which decides who makes it through boot camp and was first used last year to increase tension. Expect Simon to make some changes though.

* Cheryl and Simon were back to their usual selfs, telling each other to shut up and pulling faces when the other was talking.

Cheryl said: “We have a great relationship…ish. We are revisiting it and taking the show forward, I don’t feel this is going backwards.”

Dermot's back! (Photo: Rex)

* Simon admitted he is desperate to beat Strictly in the ratings. He thinks the X Factor needs better talent saying last year saying “it was obvious who was going to win the show” which affected the audience size.

* Viewers could well see more comedy acts on the show again like Rylan and Wagner.

“We call them characters. I love Wagner, I thought he was hilarious,” said Simon.

* Cheryl says she is prepared for comparisons between her and another female judge and expects her clothes to be scrutinised.

“When I first joined X factor it wasn't like that. There were no fash-offs. Everything just went a bit mental in my world. Now that I know that and I've taken time out to calm down I'm actually really excited to be back.”

Look who's back! (Photo: Getty)

* Cheryl’s dress she wore today was from Lela Rose. Simon joked “and my jeans are from 7 and my jumper is Prada”.

* Simon says some some stars saying they have been offered judging spots on X Factor are talking “complete rubbish”. They are still looking and Cheryl says she would like a “strong woman” on the panel.

* Cowell current favourite drink is ginger tea. The Arts Club in South London had THREE pots waiting for him during our interview and he also smoked a crafty menthol cigarette indoors.

*** You can apply for this year’s X Factor via itv.com/xfactor. Open auditions will take place from April with the judges’ audition tour following later in summer.